Ireland were in the ascendency in the early stages, with most of the opening ten minutes played in Wales’ half.
They took the lead in the 12th minute through Emily Foley, who went over the whitewash unopposed for one of the tries of the Festival after a delightful cross-field kick from fly-half Abby Healy.
Foley scored her second eight minutes later, producing a superb finish with next to no space in the corner.
Wales got their hands on the ball as the first half progressed, earning a lot of joy out of close-range carries off scrum-half Katie Bevans and pick-and-goes.
However, Ireland’s defence was like a brick wall, with Orla Wafer and Lily Morris in particular making some powerful hits to keep Wales out until half-time, Ireland leading 12-0.
Wales were a different side after the break, reducing the deficit to seven points thanks to a try from Abi Meyrick, who touched down from the back of a driving maul.
Wales came alive after their first try and Nia Fajeyisan came within inches of levelling the scores, but she was brought down on the five-metre line and a knock-on shortly after allowed Ireland to breathe a sigh of relief.
As the game entered the final 20 minutes, Ireland regained control, but time and time again, Wales were able to rebuff their opponents inside their own 22.
Some outstanding phase play from Wales brought them up to Ireland’s five metres line where there was no stopping Alaw Pyrs, who crossed underneath the posts to level the scores.
Ireland responded in style when Lucia Linn conjured a fantastic cross-field kick of her own which was caught by Lyndsay Clarke.
The replacement wing then stepped two players to restore her side’s advantage, but there was still more drama to come.
With Wales five points behind, Pyrs cemented her place as one to watch in years to come with another powerful score underneath the posts.
That levelled the scores, and Hughes held her nerve to kick the conversion to hand Wales their second win of the Festival.
